About Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School (The Math) is a selective boys' grammar school (co-educational Sixth Form) in Rochester, Medway. Founded in 1701, it is one of England's oldest grammar schools. Entry uses the Medway Test (set by GL Assessment) — three papers: English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Pass mark approximately 488 (top 25–26%). 180 Year 7 places. The school has particular strength in Mathematics, Science and Technology.
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. GCSE 9–7: 55.6%.
About the Medway Test for Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) is a selective state grammar school in Medway, Kent. Entry to Year 7 is by the Medway Test, set by GL Assessment: three one-hour papers covering English, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), plus a school-set extended writing task. The Medway Test is shared by all six Medway grammar schools, so a child sits it once. The school admits approximately 180 Year 7 pupils each September, and applications are made directly to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) (registration fee payable).
The Medway Test consists of one or two papers covering English (comprehension, cloze passages, vocabulary), Mathematics (numerical reasoning, problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Test scores are age-standardised so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. The reasoning paper covers both verbal and non-verbal questions.
For 2026 entry, the Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) entrance exam is held in Wednesday 17 September 2025, with results and offers issued in Monday 2 March 2026.
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number (180 places), the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) Admissions Criteria
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School (The Math) is a selective boys' grammar school (co-educational Sixth Form) in Rochester, Medway. Founded in 1701, it is one of England's oldest grammar schools. Entry uses the Medway Test (set by GL Assessment) — three papers: English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Pass mark approximately 488 (top 25–26%). 180 Year 7 places. The school has particular strength in Mathematics, Science and Technology.
- ✓Register for the Medway Test via Medway Council's Parent Portal (medway.gov.uk) — opens May 2026, closes June 2026.
- ✓Children at Medway primary schools sit the test at their own school on a weekday (16th–17th September 2026).
- ✓Children NOT at Medway primaries sit at a designated test centre on the weekend (20th–21st September 2026).
- ✓Sit three Medway Test papers: English (comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar — 40 min), Mathematics (50 min), Reasoning — Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial (50 min).
- ✓Scoring: English raw score ×2, Maths raw score ×2, Reasoning raw score ×1 = total weighted score (max 700). Historical pass mark approximately 488 (top 25–26% of Medway Year 6 cohort).
- ✓Results released Wednesday 15th October 2026.
- ✓Complete Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if eligible for Free School Meals — submit to the school.
- ✓Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- ✓Pupil Premium / Free School Meals pupils given priority at most Medway schools.
- ✓All qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
- ✓Apply via Medway Council Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) by 31st October 2026.
- ✓Note: All six Medway grammar schools are co-educational from September 2026.
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) ranks applicants by performance in the GL Assessment entrance assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)'s entrance assessment (GL Assessment)
- Children with siblings currently attending the school
- Children of former pupils (alumni connections)
- Children with strong references from current primary head
- Children of staff members (where applicable)
- Distance from school / catchment priority (some independents)
- Children ranked by performance in the assessment up to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)'s places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2025 |
| 📌 Registration closes | Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration) |
| 📌 Medway Test (GL Assessment) | Wednesday 17 September 2025 (Medway Test — English + Maths + VR) |
| 📌 Test results released | Mid-October 2025 |
| 📌 Offers issued by school | Monday 2 March 2026 |
How to Apply to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
Visit during Year 5 to meet staff, tour the school and assess fit. Open days are usually in Sept-Nov.
Step 2 — Register your child with Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
Complete the registration form on the school's website. Registration closes Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration). A registration fee usually applies.
Step 3 — Sit the school's entrance assessment
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)'s entrance exam (GL Assessment format) is typically held in Wednesday 17 September 2025. Covers English, Mathematics, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus interview.
Step 4 — Provide school references
Your child's current Head Teacher will be asked to submit a confidential reference. Strong references are particularly important for independent schools.
Step 5 — Attend an interview
Most independent schools interview shortlisted candidates. Interviews assess motivation, character and academic potential.
Step 6 — Receive your offer
Offers issued by Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) in Monday 2 March 2026. Compare with offers from any other independent schools applied to.
Step 7 — Accept your place and pay deposit
Accept your offer in writing and pay the acceptance deposit (typically £500-£2,000, deducted from first-term fees) by the school's deadline.
Subjects Tested at Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) uses the Medway Test (GL Assessment) format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
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How to Prepare for the Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) 11+ Exam
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Academic Performance at Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School (‘the Math’) is a boys’ grammar with a co-educational sixth form in Rochester, rated Outstanding by Ofsted and noted for its strong STEM and mathematics tradition.
- GCSE: strong results across science, technology, mathematics, humanities and languages.
- A-Level: a challenging sixth-form curriculum (co-educational) supporting competitive applications.
- Progression: high rates of entry to leading universities, including for STEM courses.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
Admission to Year 7 is by the Medway Test, administered by Medway Council on the school’s behalf and produced by GL Assessment: papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal, non-verbal and spatial). A qualifying standard is set each year at roughly the top 25% of the cohort, and reaching it makes a child eligible but does not guarantee a place. The Math is a boys’ grammar with a co-educational sixth form and has no catchment area.
Families register for the Medway Test with Medway Council in late May/June, sit it in September, receive results in October, and then name the school on the Medway Common Application Form by 31 October. Always confirm the current dates, qualifying score and oversubscription criteria with the school and Medway Council. Where the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated by test score after looked-after children, with distance to the school used as the tie-break.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1701 by the statesman Sir Joseph Williamson, the Math is one of the oldest schools in the area and today educates around 1,450 boys aged 11–18 (with girls in the sixth form) on Maidstone Road in Rochester. It became an academy in 2011, is part of Leigh Academies Trust, a National Teaching School and lead school of the Kent & Medway Maths Hub, and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
The school keeps a strong house system and traditions such as Founder’s Day at Rochester Cathedral, alongside an ambitious co-curricular programme in sport, music and STEM enrichment. For the full list of activities, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)
How do I apply to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) for Year 7?
Applications to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) are made directly to the school. Register on the school's website (registration closes Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration)), pay the registration fee, sit the entrance exam, and attend an interview if shortlisted.
Does Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) use the Medway Test?
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) uses the Medway Test for Year 7 selection. The Medway Test is set by GL Assessment (it was previously run by CEM) and is shared by all six Medway grammar schools. GL Assessment-style practice papers remain valuable preparation as the topic areas (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) are still tested in most formats.
What's the difference between CEM and GL Assessment?
Both test similar subjects (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) but differ in style: CEM was designed to be less coachable with broader vocabulary and varied question types per paper; GL Assessment has more structured, predictable papers per subject area. The Medway Test, including its reasoning paper, is now provided by GL Assessment.
How many Year 7 places does Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) have?
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) admits approximately 180 Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)?
For 2026 entry, Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)'s 11+ entrance assessment is held in Wednesday 17 September 2025 (Medway Test — English + Maths + VR). Registration closes Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)?
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) sets its own qualifying mark each year based on the standardised score distribution of applicants. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) up to 180 places.
Is Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) a state school or fee-paying?
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) is an independent fee-paying school. Registration fees, entrance exam fees, and tuition fees apply. Bursaries and scholarships are typically available for academically able pupils from lower-income families — check the school's website for details.
How can my child prepare for the Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete GL Assessment 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question, and downloadable resources covering English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the test for best results.
Where can I find Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math)'s official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester (The Math) 2026 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, current test format, qualifying mark, supplementary forms, and any school-specific application requirements.